A Major Update for the Era of Apple Intelligence
On Tuesday, Apple unveiled a new version of the iPad mini, designed specifically for the era of Apple Intelligence. This updated device is powered by the A17 Pro chip, which brings compatibility with Apple’s latest generative AI offering, Apple Intelligence.
The First Major Update Since 2021
This marks the first major update to the 8.3-inch iPad mini since 2021. The A17 Pro chip was previously announced last year and made its debut on the iPhone 15 Pro, which became the first of Apple’s phones to officially support Apple Intelligence.
The Powerhouse Behind the Scenes: A17 Pro Chip
The A17 Pro sports a six-core CPU with two performance and four efficiency cores, as well as a five-core GPU. This configuration is expected to deliver significant performance improvements over the A16 Bionic chip found in the 2021 model. One of the key features of the A17 Pro is its neural engine, which provides access to Apple Intelligence through iPadOS 18.
The Magic of Apple Intelligence
Apple’s small-model answer to the likes of ChatGPT and Google Gemini includes writing tools and a fully refreshed Siri experience. However, it’s essential to note that Apple Intelligence is still a work in progress. Other features, such as Image Playground graphic generation and ChatGPT integration with Apple Intelligence, are still on the way.
Availability Across the iPad Line
With this update, Apple Intelligence is now available across the entire iPad line – except for the base model. It’s worth noting that the new iPad mini is the only device to sport a mobile chip, as opposed to the M4 found in the latest base iPad and iPad Pro. The iPad Air, on the other hand, runs on the older M2.
Revamped Calculator App
The new iPad mini also gets the revamped Calculator app, which responds to handwritten notes. This feature is compatible with Apple’s Pencil and Pencil Pro, offering more flexibility for artists and those who prefer writing notes by hand.
Camera Capabilities
The rear-facing 12-megapixel wide-angle camera supports Smart HDR 4 for better-balanced lighting in photos. The mini maintains the Touch ID functionality built into the power button, rather than graduating to Face ID, which is available on the Pro model.
Pricing and Availability
The new iPad starts at $499 for 128GB of storage, which is double what its predecessor started with. The iPad mini with cellular connectivity, meanwhile, starts at $649. Preorders are open today, and shipping begins on October 23.
A New Era for Apple’s Small-Model Devices
This update marks a significant step forward for Apple’s small-model devices, bringing them in line with the latest features and technologies. With the A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence support, users can expect improved performance, enhanced creativity tools, and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
The Impact of Apple Intelligence on Creative Industries
As Apple Intelligence continues to evolve and improve, it’s likely to have a profound impact on creative industries such as writing, art, and music. The ability to generate high-quality content quickly and efficiently will revolutionize the way we work and create.
The Future of Computing: A Conversation with Apple’s Experts
In an exclusive interview, TechCrunch spoke with Apple’s experts about the future of computing and the role that Apple Intelligence plays in shaping it. They discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by this technology and shared their vision for a more intelligent and intuitive user experience.
The A17 Pro Chip: A Game-Changer for Mobile Devices
The A17 Pro chip is a game-changer for mobile devices, offering unprecedented performance and efficiency. With its six-core CPU and five-core GPU, it’s the perfect companion for demanding applications like Apple Intelligence.
The iPad Mini: A Device Redefined
The new iPad mini is not just an update – it’s a device redefined. With its sleek design, powerful processor, and advanced features, it’s the ultimate portable device for creatives and professionals alike.
A New Era of Collaboration with Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the way we collaborate on creative projects. By integrating AI-powered tools and services into our workflow, we can work more efficiently and effectively than ever before.
The Benefits of Apple Intelligence for Businesses
For businesses, Apple Intelligence offers a range of benefits, including improved productivity, enhanced creativity, and increased efficiency. By embracing this technology, companies can stay ahead of the competition and drive growth in their industry.
Conclusion
The new iPad mini is a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. With its powerful A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence support, it’s an ideal device for creatives, professionals, and anyone looking to upgrade their mobile experience. As we move forward into the era of Apple Intelligence, one thing is clear: this technology has the potential to change the world.
